<<  -- 2 --  Malcolm Miller    CULTURAL FLOWERING

Following INO's closure in 1982, the NIO was launched in 1985, since when it has been through an exciting period of rapid development, in which it has been recognised as a company of international stature and reputation. With the excellent Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion Orchestra, and the leadership of some of Israel's finest conductors, including Gary Bertini, the late David Shallon, Mendi Rodan, and recently Asher Fisch, currently Music Director, NIO's music standards have risen to new heights. A long awaited dream reached fruition when, in 1994, NIO moved into its stunning new Opera House, part of the Tel-Aviv Performing Arts Center. The impressive 1500-seat building was designed by the late Yaacov Rechter, one of Israel's renowned architects, its striking foyer designed by the internationally acclaimed Ron Arad. Adjacent to the Tel-Aviv Museum of Modern Art the opera house offers an exhilarating aesthetic experience within its spaces to complement that of the musical performance.

Such cultural flowering is particularly remarkable in the uniquely challenging conditions of Israeli society, which adds to the usual social and economic constraints of any modern high-tech state a host of political problems associated with the region. Nevertheless, a policy based on a firm belief in the beneficial values of opera have motivated NIO to its achievements, with currently nine productions attracting some 17,000 subscribers and capacity houses. As well as nurturing home-grown talents, NIO has engaged in co-productions with companies from across the world, and invited leading conductors, directors and designers to collaborate with Israeli artists.

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